Simple majority for budget changes in state Senate

Amendments to the state’s operating budget will now only need a simple majority on the Senate floor under changes lawmakers made Monday, the first day of a session in which the Legislature will have to deal with a $4.6 billion deficit.

“This is the most significant change the Senate has made to its own rules in 90-plus years,” Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, chair of the budget-writing Ways & Means Committee, said in a statement. “A simple majority of this body should make a decision on any issue. With this rule change, all members of the Senate have the opportunity to participate in the budget process fully and equally.”